JnU teachers demand removal of illegal bus, laguna stands in Old Dhaka

Teachers, students, and representatives of various educational institutions in Old Dhaka today held a protest rally and sit-in, demanding the removal of illegal bus and laguna stands, as well as illegal shops, from the areas surrounding Jagannath University (JnU) and Bahadur Shah Park.

The programme, organised by the Jagannath University Teachers' Association (JnUTA), began around 11:00am at Bahadur Shah Park in Sadarghat. JnUTA Senior Vice President Prof Dr Md Azam Khan chaired the rally, while General Secretary Prof Dr Md Rais Uddin conducted it.

Speakers said Old Dhaka, home to several historic educational institutions, has seen its academic environment disrupted by illegal transport stands and stops. They declared that no buses or lagunas from Sadarghat or Ray Saheb Bazar would be allowed to enter the area, adding that a memorandum of demands would be submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner.

Prof Rais Uddin said the stands must be cleared immediately. "From now on, no bus or laguna will be allowed to enter from Ray Saheb Bazar. All illegal shops between JnU, Bahadur Shah Park, Kabi Nazrul Government College, and Sohrawardi College must be cleared within the next two hours," he said.

He also declared Bahadur Shah Park Square as "Biswajit Chattar," symbolising resistance against fascism. He said it would serve as the centre of future movements and cultural activities of JnU and Old Dhaka.

Teachers from neighbouring institutions, including St Gregory's High School and College, Pogose Laboratory School and College, Banglabazar Government Girls' High School, and Collegiate School, along with student groups, journalists, lawyers, and representatives of political and social organisation,s also joined the rally.